Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, officially handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his six-month stewardship.
Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the state during a period of political crisis, said Rivers had regained stability under his watch.
In his farewell address, he highlighted key achievements such as the successful conduct of local government elections, the reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ibas warned about the dangers of unchecked authority and political rivalry. “One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy,” he said.
He stressed the importance of strong institutions and unity, adding, “Let this chapter therefore stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses but on how political actors manage their differences and on the strength of the institutions we preserve and the unity we nurture.”
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Ibas expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for assigning him the role and commended security agencies for ensuring peace in Rivers State.
He also acknowledged the resilience of the people, urging them to support the governor.
“Now, as I hand back the reigns of leadership to his excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara I do so with confidence and respect. I call all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility,” he stated.
The retired admiral, who described his exit as “the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, in diplomacy, and now in governance,” prayed for sustained unity and peace in the state.
“My dear people, may this state never again be brought to the brink of collapse. May we always choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis. The garden city must never lose its fragrance. May God bless us all. May God bless River State and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers earlier this year following prolonged political unrest. With the handover completed, the state has now returned to full democratic governance.
